1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Telephonist

Telephonist

Alternative titles for this job include Switchboard operator

Telephonists, or switchboard operators, answer and connect calls and take messages.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£24,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a telephonist

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could take an introductory course like:

  • Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service
  • Level 2 Certificate in Contact Centre Operations

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate apprenticeship in customer service.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

There are no set requirements for applying directly for jobs, though employers may ask for some GCSEs. Basic computer skills and admin experience can be useful.

More Information

Career tips

Temporary work can be a useful way to get started in this career and can lead to permanent jobs.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • administration skills
  • a desire to help people
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks will vary depending where you work. You could:

  • answer and connect calls using a computerised switchboard system
  • test lines and report faults
  • update directories
  • take and pass on messages
  • carry out basic administration tasks
  • work in a team with 'front of house' staff

Working environment

You could work in a contact centre, in a reception area or in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could apply for work as an administrator, customer services specialist or customer services supervisor.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Customer Service Adviser, Stevenage – Salary over 17K!

  • Wage: £17,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Bessemer Drive, Stevenage

Ford Vehicle Customer Service Advisor Apprentice

  • Wage: £10,004.80 Annually
  • Location: Stamford, Lincolnshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a telephonist?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.